DIY geyser conversion to solar

[OCP]

Bumping old thread - looking at converting both my geysers to solar as my electricity cost is now almost R3k a month :-(

Does anyone have any good experience with CT based suppliers/installers?

 

[mypetcow]

Depends how much your time is worth. Personally I'd not do anything myself and I'd get a certified plumber that won't vanish over night.
This guys are a Bidvest company so you'd probably be in good hands.
http://www.plumblink.co.za/c79/SOLAR.aspx

Obviously a solar geyser plus installation will cost you a bit of money so first thing's first: Insulation. You can get the greatest decrease in electricity cost by insulating your geyser with a geyser blanket as well as the pipes with some insulation you can get at Builder's warehouse. In a solar geyser system, insulation is also king so I recommend you put in insulation anyway. Not only will you lose less heat, your hot water will arrive hotter and much sooner.

About the solar system in particular, I'd recommend a pressurised system with backup heating element for greater efficiency and comfort. Also you can safely use a pressurised system with a mixer tap without worrying about legionella!